KR20070029649A - Closure tape tab for an absorbent article, prelaminated closure tape and method of manufacturing the closure tape tab - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a closure tape tab (2) for an absorbent article, particularly for a disposable diaper, for fastening the article on the body of a person. The closure tape tab (2) comprises a proximal end portion (4) and a distal end portion (8) being connected by an inner tab portion (16), wherein the inner tab portion (16) has a first major surface (18) and a second major surface (20). The proximal and distal end portions (4, 8) are connected to the inner tab portion (16) at the first major surface (18) thereof such that opposing ends of the proximal and distal end portions (4, 8) are spaced apart from each other. An anti-adhesive means (26) is provided at at least a part of the first major surface (18) of the inner tab portion (16) in the space. The present invention furthermore relates to a prelaminated closure tape, preferably in a stable roll, from which such closure tape tabs can be cut. The closure tape of the present invention is adapted to be level-wound on a roll so that an increased amount of tape can be stored on the roll. ® KIPO & WIPO 2007

Description

Locking tape tabs for absorbent articles, pre-laminated locking tapes, and methods of making the locking tape tabs

The present invention relates to a closure tape tab for an absorbent article for securing the absorbent article, in particular a disposable diaper, or an adult incontinence article to the wearer's body. Moreover, this invention relates to the locking tape pre-laminated in the form of the stable roll preferably, and can cut a locking tape tab from the locking tape.

Disposable diapers typically have a thin, flexible, stretchy, low density polyethylene backsheet film, an absorbent core on the backsheet film interior, and a porous topsheet located on the core. The diaper is located in the crotch of the wearer, with the two ends of the diaper extending toward the front and back of the wearer, respectively. Thereafter, adjacent edges of the diaper on each side are positioned or overlapped with each other. The locking tape tab is used to lock the diaper.

 Typically, such a locking tape tab is attached to one of its ends (proximal end portion) to the diaper, for example by a pressure sensitive adhesive layer. The opposite end (distal end portion) of the locking tape tab includes fastening means (eg, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer or mechanical fastener component) for wrapping the diaper around the wearer's body and securing it to the body.

EPA 0 247 855 is in the form of a roll comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive fastener, a central elastic portion, a two-part peel-coated fixation tape and a lower release tape having an adhesive layer covered by a non-adhesive film. A tape fastener laminate.

European Patent Publication No. 0 257 752 describes a fixing tape for a diaper wound in rolls for storage. The fastening tape includes a single backing, a release tape and a pressure sensitive adhesive fastener. The backing has a release coating to release the tape from the roll.

EP 0 456 472 describes an adhesive locking tape having a surface peel directly adjacent to an adhesive, wherein the adhesive strip is coated onto an area that is already peel coated so that the laminate can be wound into a roll. have.

 European Patent Publication No. 0 482 383 relates to a composite laminated adhesive tape which is circularly wound in the form of a roll, wherein in cross section, the composite laminated adhesive tape is folded in a z-shape so that the z-shape The upper bar, the inclined bar, and the lower bar are each formed of a first fixing tape, which is a first tape portion separated from each other, a second central tape, a second tape portion, and a third fixing tape, which is a third tape portion.

WO 96 02218 describes a two part fixing tape consisting of a fixing part and a peeling part and having a pressure-sensitive adhesive fastener which is received by the peeling part when folded and folded.

EP 0 891 760 relates to a locking tape for an absorbent article comprising a backing with an adhesive layer, a fastening means and an elastic elastic sheet. The backing is necessarily inelastic and / or essentially inextensible. The support sheet comprising the backing and adhesive layer shows one or more incisions in the region of the elastic sheet, wherein at least some of the incisions extend in the machine direction over the entire width of the backing, the ends being a sufficient distance from the closest incision at the end. When bent away to bend the rest of the locking tape into contact with the inside of the diaper, the incision opens, essentially preventing the end from adhering to the outer surface of the diaper.

EP 1 256 332 describes a structure similar to EP 0 891 760 described above, but has an elongation ratio in the cross direction of the elastic sheet with respect to the length of the locking tape prior to being secured to the absorbent article. 0.9.

EP 0 941 730 describes a fixing tape for a diaper with an elastomeric component and a mechanical fastener, with a backing treated with a peeling lining.

European Patent Publication No. 1 002 846 describes a fastening tape comprising a backing having a fibrous layer of knitted or nonwoven fibers of a thermoplastic polymer, wherein the backing comprises a silicon release layer on the fibrous layer, and silicon The backing side opposite to the side including the release layer includes the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.

WO 01/68025 describes an elastic laminate tape fastener having a pressure sensitive adhesive element and an extensible fiber layer sharply bonded to the elastic film to provide a corrugated structure. Stretching the elastic film returns the fiber layer to its original flat shape and length without stretching it.

Known fastening tape tabs are widely used and offer several advantages, but in the field, in particular the handling of pre-laminated locking tapes to form stable rolls and the manufacture of such locking tape tabs still require further improvements. Shall be. It is an object of the present invention to meet these needs.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locking tape tab for an absorbent article for fixing an absorbent article, in particular a disposable diaper, to the wearer's body. The locking tape tab includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion connected by an inner tab portion. The inner tab portion has a first major surface and an opposing second major surface, wherein the proximal and distal end portions are at the first major surface of the inner tab portion such that opposing ends of the proximal and distal distal portions are spaced apart from each other to form a space. It is connected to the inner tab part. At least a portion of the first major surface of the inner tab portion in the space is provided with anti-stick means.

Preferably, the anti-stick means extends from the adjacent end of the proximal end portion in the space toward the opposite end of the distal end portion. More preferably, the anti-stick means essentially covers the space between the opposing ends of the proximal and distal end portions. It is also preferred that the anti-stick means (eg, paper, film, strip, liner or coating) extend at least partially over one or both of the opposing ends of the proximal and distal end portions. In the latter embodiment, the proximal and / or distal end portion is as long as possible or at least the inner tab portion is proximal and / or distal end portion as long as the anti-stick means overlaps at least the inner tab portion and the proximal and distal distal portions, respectively. It is advantageous to be provided over the seat connected to.

According to any embodiment of the present invention, the locking tape tab further comprises a release tape attached to the second major surface of the proximal end portion or inner tab portion for securing the locking tape tab to the absorbent article in a so-called Y-shaped manner. It may include. The release tape preferably extends at least partially along the second major surface of the inner tab portion. If a release tape is used, at least as long as the release tape extends on the second major surface of the inner tab portion, the anti-stick means extends at least in the space present along the first major surface of the inner tab portion.

It is also possible to provide proximal and distal end portions and anti-adhesion means, for example, as an integral element from a single sheet of material, wherein the anti-adhesion means are formed as an intermediate portion connecting the proximal and distal end portions. More precisely, the locking tape tab according to this embodiment comprises a continuous tape member having at least a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal and distal end portions are connected to an inner tab portion having a first major surface and an opposite second major surface. The proximal and distal end portions are connected to the inner tab portion at the first major surface of the inner tab portion. The continuous tape member provides anti-adhesion means for the inner tab portion and has one or more lines of weakness in the region of the inner tab portion.

The fragile line tears or opens the middle to make the locking tape tab available. Alternatively, the middle portion may be removed from the locking tape tab to expose the first surface of the inner tab portion. For this reason, it may be advantageous to provide two lines of weakness. The first weak line (eg, perforation) may be provided between the proximal distal portion and the middle portion, and the second weak line may be provided between the distal distal portion and the middle portion. Thus, the anti-stick means can be formed from the same elements as the proximal and distal end portions, wherein the unitary structure can be modified to remove the anti-stick means. In addition, the middle part should be free of adhesive, which can be achieved, for example, by strip coating the adhesive along only the proximal and distal end portions with gaps present along the middle part between them. Instead of the weak line (perforation), one material sheet forming the proximal and distal end portions and the middle portion can be easily removed from the inner tab portion (eg low friction sliding) but still sufficient for the first major surface of the inner tab portion. Can be also cut over its full width.

In another aspect of the invention, the locking tape tab includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion connected by an inner tab portion. The inner tab portion has a first major surface and a second major surface opposite, wherein the proximal distal portion is an inner tab portion at the second major surface of the inner tab portion such that the proximal distal portion extends over at least a substantial portion of the inner tab portion. Is connected to. The distal end portion is connected to the first major surface of the inner tab portion with at least a portion of the first major surface of the inner tab portion exposed. At least a portion of the exposed portion of the first major surface of the inner tab portion is provided with anti-stick means. Preferably, the anti-stick means extends over substantially the entire length of the exposed portion of the inner tab portion. The expression “over at least a substantial portion” described above and below means that the proximal distal portion extends at least longer than the second major surface of the inner tab portion so that the proximal distal portion and the inner tab portion are securely fixed to each other. It means you can.

Further, in the present invention (regardless of various aspects of the present invention), the anti-stick means may be anti-stick paper, anti-stick film, cover strip or liner. Alternatively, the anti-stick means can be an anti-stick coating, preferably a silicon coating. The inner tab portion may also include an elastomer to allow some stretchability of the locking tape tab. In such a case, it may be advantageous to add a film or fibrous material to limit extensibility, as described in WO 01/68025. Alternatively, it may be advantageous to use inelastic materials, such as soft nonwoven materials, for the inner tab portions. The proximal and distal end portions are preferably formed of a nonwoven material, in which case a film tape may be advantageous. Moreover, the locking tape tabs of the present invention may comprise a mechanical paster component and / or fingerlift on the distal end portion.

A further aspect of the invention relates to the provision of a pre-laminated locking tape, preferably in the form of a stable roll, from which the locking tape tab can be cut off. A particularly advantageous feature of the present invention is that the locking tape tab configuration using anti-stick means allows the roll to be rolled up in level, which can significantly increase the storage capacity on the roll. If there is no anti-stick means, the level provided because the adhesive provided on the proximal and / or distal end portions of the fixation tape tabs and / or the optional release tape adheres to the first surface of the inner tab portion of the winding underneath the fixation tape. The winding roll will be disturbed. Of course, planetary winding of the locking tape can also be used.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of making a locking tape from which a locking tape tab for an absorbent article, in particular a disposable diaper, can be cut and the locking tape tab can be used to secure the product to the wearer's body. . The method includes providing a first tape region forming a proximal end portion of the locking tape tab and a second tape region forming a distal end portion of the locking tape tab; Connecting the first and second tape regions by an inner tab portion having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface, the proximal and distal ends of which the opposing ends of the proximal and distal end portions are spaced apart from one another to form a space; Connecting a distal end portion to the inner tab portion at the first major surface of the inner tab portion; And providing an anti-stick means to at least a portion of the first major surface of the inner tab portion in the space.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of making a locking tape from which a locking tape tab for an absorbent article, in particular a disposable diaper, is cut and the locking tape tab can be used to secure the product to the wearer's body. Wherein the method comprises providing a continuous tape having at least a first tape region forming a proximal end portion of the locking tape tab and a second tape region forming a distal end portion of the locking tape tab; And connecting the first and second tape regions by an inner tab portion having a first major surface and an opposite second major surface. The proximal and distal end portions are connected to the first major surface of the inner tab portion. The continuous tape provides anti-stick means on the first major surface of the inner tab portion, and the continuous tape is provided with one or more lines of weakness in the region of the inner tab portion.

In the latter method, it may be desirable to provide two lines of weakness in the continuous tape. The first weak line may be provided between the proximal distal portion and the middle portion, and the second weak line may be provided between the distal distal portion and the middle portion. Such fragile lines can be provided in the form of perforations, slits, and the like. In this structure, the intermediate portion can be removed from the inner tab portion. However, when the weak line ruptures or opens, one weak line is generally sufficient for the locking tape tab to act because the desired elastic function of the inner tab portion is achieved. Another advantage of this structure is that the waste material does not have to be removed or disposed of.

In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for manufacturing an absorbent article, particularly a locking tape tab for an absorbent article, for securing a disposable diaper to a wearer's body. The method includes providing a first tape region forming a proximal end portion of the locking tape tab and a second tape region forming a distal end portion of the locking tape tab; Connecting the first and second tape regions by an inner tab portion having a first major surface and an opposite second major surface, the proximal end portion extending such that the proximal end portion extends over at least a substantial portion of the inner tab portion. Connecting the portion to the inner tab portion at the second major surface of the inner tab portion, wherein the distal end portion connects to the first major surface of the inner tab portion such that at least a portion thereof is exposed; And providing an anti-stick means to at least a portion of the exposed portion of the first major surface.

In the above-described method of manufacturing the locking tape tab, the connection between the inner tab portion and the proximal and distal end portions is preferably performed by ultrasonic welding, low temperature bonding or thermal pressure bonding, or adhesive bonding. It is also preferred that the anti-stick means after the connection step described above is provided in the form of a coating, preferably a silicon coating. Alternatively, the anti-stick means may be provided in the form of anti-stick paper, anti-stick film, cover strip, liner and the like.

As already noted above, the present invention is particularly advantageous from the manufacturing point of view because the locking tape tab of the present invention is easy to handle, includes only a few elements and manufacturing steps, and can be stored in a stable roll. A particular advantage of the locking tape tab of the present invention is that it can be level wound on a roll to store significantly more locking tape than in conventional planetary winding rolls. The storage capacity is further increased because the locking tape tab of the present invention is thinner.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 is a side view of an embodiment of a fastening tape tab according to the invention comprising a cover strip.

FIG. 2 is a side view of another embodiment of a locking tape tab according to the invention similar to that of FIG. 1 in which the cover strip is only partially provided in the space between the proximal and distal end portions.

3 is a side view of another embodiment of a locking tape tab of the present invention.

4 to 6 show an example of the winding sequence for producing the pre-laminated locking tape in roll form, FIG. 4 is a side view of the locking tape tab without the anti-stick means, and FIG. 5 between the proximal and distal end portions. FIG. 4 shows a locking tape tab with anti-stick means substantially covering the space of FIG. 6, which shows how several layers of pre-laminated locking tape are stacked to form a level winding.

7-9 show a winding sequence similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, in which a release tape is provided on the prelaminated locking tape.

10 is a schematic top view of a level wound roll after the locking tape has been wound into a roll.

Is a schematic side view showing how the locking tape tab of the present invention is applied to a diaper ear.

11B is a side view similar to FIG. 11A with the distal end portion of the locking tape tab folded into the interior of the diaper.

FIG. 12A is a side view similar to FIG. 11A showing how a locking tape tab is applied to the ear of a diaper using release tape. FIG.

12B is a side view similar to FIG. 12A with the distal end portion of the locking tape tab folded into the diaper.

FIG. 13A is a side view showing how a locking tape tab similar to that shown in FIG. 3 is applied to a diaper ear. FIG.

13B is a side view similar to FIG. 13A with the distal end portion folded into the interior of the diaper.

14 is a schematic view of a coating station for applying anti-stick means in the form of a peel coating.

15 is a side view of an embodiment of a locking tape tab comprising anti-stick means in the form of a release coating.

FIG. 16A is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a locking tape tab of the present invention providing anti-sticking means as an integral element with proximal and distal end portions, with perforations provided to enable removal of the anti-sticking means from the inner tab portion; FIG. do.

FIG. 16B is a schematic side view of an embodiment similar to the locking tape tab shown in FIG. 16A.

17 is a side view of another embodiment of a locking tape tab of the present invention similar to the embodiment of FIG.

18 is a side view of another embodiment of a locking tape tab of the present invention similar to the embodiment of FIG. 17.

A first embodiment of the locking tape tab 2 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The locking tape tab 2 is particularly useful for disposable diapers, where the diaper can be connected to the proximal end portion 4. Typically the locking tape tab 2 is secured to the diaper by an adhesive 6 provided on the lower surface of the proximal end portion 4. The adhesive 6 is preferably provided in the form of an adhesive layer that extends substantially along the entire length of the proximal end portion 4, wherein the adhesive layer can be continuous or discontinuous. The adhesive 6 can also be applied in the form of a pattern on the lower surface of the proximal distal portion 4.

The locking tape tab 2 also includes a distal end portion 8 opposite the proximal end portion 4. The distal end portion 8 constitutes a fastening portion of the locking tape tab 2. To this end, the distal end portion 8 comprises a suitable fastening means, for example a pressure sensitive adhesive layer or a mechanical fastener element 10 as shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, the mechanical fastener element 10 is provided in the form of a strip with an upright hook adapted to engage the loop material provided on the landing area of the diaper. Optionally, the distal end portion 8 comprises a finger lift 12 adjacent the fastening means 10 to hold and open the locking tape tab 2. The mechanical fastener element 10 and the finger lift 12 are preferably connected to the distal end portion 8 by an adhesive layer 14. The adhesive layer 14 is provided on the lower surface of the distal end portion 8 and preferably extends along its entire length. As with the adhesive layer 6 on the proximal end portion 4, the adhesive layer 14 of the distal end portion 8 may be continuous or discontinuous and may be provided in a pattern form.

The proximal distal portion 4 and the distal distal portion 8 are connected by an inner tab portion 16 having an upper first major surface 18 and a lower second major surface 20. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the proximal and distal end portions 4, 8 have inner tab portions 16 such that the opposing ends 22, 24 of each of the proximal and distal distal portions 4, 8 are spaced apart from each other. Is connected at its first major surface.

The proximal and distal end portions 4, 8 are typically made of inelastic material, such as a nonwoven material, while the inner tab portion 16 preferably has some elasticity. For example, the inner tab portion may be provided as a laminate comprising an elastic material and an inelastic material that limits the stretchability of the elastic material.

In addition, the locking tape tab 2 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 comprises anti-stick means 26 (eg a liner, anti-stick paper, anti-stick film) in the form of a cover strip. The cover strip 26 shown in FIG. 1 is provided on the first major surface 18 of the inner tab portion 16 between the opposing ends 22, 24 of each of the proximal and distal distal portions 4, 8. Substantially covering the space provided in the. Preferably, the upper surface 28 of the cover strip 26, ie the opposing surface of the inner tab portion 16, comprises a low adhesive backing coating (LAB) which may be provided in the form of a silicon coating. In addition, the upper surfaces of the proximal and distal end portions 4, 8, ie the opposing surfaces of each of the adhesive layers 6, 14, are preferably coated with LAB, typically in the form of a silicon coating.

In addition, the anti-stick means 26 are provided in the space between the opposing ends 22, 24 of the proximal and distal end portions 4, 8, as well as shown in relation to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15. It may be advantageous to extend the anti-stick means 26 above the ends 22, 24 as described in detail.

Optionally, the locking tape tab 2 of the present invention comprises a release tape 30 attached to the proximal end portion 4 as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, release tape 30 may be attached to inner tab portion 16 (see FIG. 16). The release tape 30 typically includes a backing 32, wherein one surface of the backing is coated with an adhesive layer 34. In general, the release tape 30 is attached to the proximal end portion 4 relatively close to the proximal end of the inner tab portion 16 along the relatively short portion 36 of the release tape 30. The remaining longer portion 38 of the release tape is folded back onto the short portion 36 and the inner tab portion 16 so that the adhesive layer 34 is exposed as shown in FIG. 1. The release tape 30 assists in fixing the locking tape tab 2 to the diaper, where the adhesive layer 6 is attached to one surface of the diaper, i.e., the outer surface, and the portion 38 of the release tape 30 is The opposite side of the diaper, ie above the inner surface, is folded to provide the so-called Y-bond.

The locking tape tab 2 of the present invention is typically provided in the form of a locking tape from which the locking tape tab 2 can be cut transversely. The locking tape itself may be wound in roll form for storage purposes. A particular advantage of the present invention is that the locking tape tab 2 is provided in the form of a stable level winding roll as a prelaminated locking tape from which the locking tape tab 2 can be cut. Level winding is an advantageous process for storing large quantities of tape material in roll form. The anti-sticking means 26 allow for level winding and the use of a relatively short release tape since there is no more at least some risk of the adhesive contacting the first major surface 18 of the inner tab portion 16 during winding. The anti-sticking means 26 can be removed from the locking tape of the present invention, after which the locking tape tab 2 can be cut from the locking tape. In other words, the anti-stick means provided in the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the form of a cover strip 26 can be separated from the lower inner tab portion 16 before the locking tape is cut into individual locking tape tabs. So far, FIG. 1 can be regarded as a cross sectional view of the locking tape before being cut into tape tabs.

2 shows another embodiment of the locking tape tab 2 of the present invention. This locking tape tab is essentially the same as the locking tape tab of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, but the anti-stick means is internal in the space between each opposing end 22, 24 of the proximal and distal end portions 4, 8. The difference is that it is provided as a cover strip 26 extending only over a portion of the first major surface 18 of the tab portion 16. More specifically, the cover strip 26 extends in space from the proximal end of the end 22 of the proximal end portion 4 toward the opposite end 24 of the distal end portion 8. However, it does not substantially cover the entire space as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, the cover strip 26 has at least a longer portion 38 of the release tape 30 in the space present along the first major surface 18 so that the second surface 20 of the inner tab portion 16 is at least as long as the cover strip 26 is formed. As long as it extends, it extends long from the end 22 of the proximal distal portion 4. The structure of this locking tape is such that the cover tape 26 covers at least that portion of the inner tab portion 16 which, when wound, can be contacted by the exposed adhesive 34 of the release tape 30. This is especially useful for planetary windings. The upper surface of the proximal distal portion 4 is also typically coated with LAB in the form of a silicon coating. LAB coatings may also be applied to the upper surface of the distal end portion 8.

In the planetary winding roll, the cover strip 26 can be applied in the space provided on the first major surface 18 of the inner tab portion 16 while being wound from the top or bottom. In other words, the cover strip 26 is arranged in the leading space of the subsequent winding of the roll when the cover strip 26 is provided directly in the space or on the opposite side of the tape (ie, the release tape 30) and wound up. Will be.

Another embodiment of the locking tape tab of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. The locking tape tab 2 of this embodiment also comprises a proximal end portion 4 and a distal end portion 8 coated with adhesive layers 6 and 14, respectively. The proximal distal portion 4 and the distal distal portion 8 are connected by an inner tab portion 16. According to this embodiment, the proximal distal portion 4 is internal at the second major surface 20 of the inner tab portion 16 such that the proximal distal portion 4 extends over at least a substantial portion of the inner tab portion 16. It is connected to the tab part. More preferably, the inner tab portion 16 is attached to the proximal distal portion 4 such that the distal end 22 of the proximal distal portion 4 extends beyond the inner tab portion 16. Attachment of the inner tab portion 16 to the proximal distal portion 4 is provided according to the present embodiment at the proximal end 40 of the inner tab portion. The combination is schematically shown at 42. Preferably, the connection between the inner tab portion 16 and the proximal distal portion 4 is ultrasonic welding, although low temperature or thermal pressure bonding or adhesive bonding may also be used. Although the proximal end portion 4 extends further along the inner tab portion 16, only the inner tab portion 16 at the proximal end 40 of the inner tab portion 16 proximal end of the locking tape tab 2. Connecting to the part 4 has the advantage that the proximal end part 4 can also act as a release tape. Thus, in order to attach the locking tape tab 2 to the diaper, the proximal end portion 4 is attached to one surface of the diaper end so that the edge of the diaper end is between the proximal end portion 4 and the inner tab portion 16. It is placed near the connection portion 42 of. The remaining (distal) portion of the proximal distal portion 4 is folded back onto the opposite surface of the end of the diaper to form a Y-bond.

The distal end portion 8 of the locking tape tab 2 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is attached to the first major surface of the inner tab portion 16 such that at least a portion of the inner tab portion 16 remains exposed. . The attachment between the distal end portion 8 and the inner tab portion 16 may be made, for example, by ultrasonic welding, low temperature or thermal pressure bonding, adhesive bonding, or the like. In FIG. 3, the coupling is shown by reference numeral 44 as the ultrasonic coupling. The mechanical fastener element 10 is provided on the lower surface of the distal end portion 8 as in other embodiments.

In addition, the locking tape tab 2 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 comprises anti-stick means 26 provided on at least part of the exposed portion of the first major surface 18 of the inner tab portion 16. In FIG. 3, the anti-sticking means 26 covers the substantially entire exposed surface of the inner tab portion 16. Anti-sticking means 26 may also be provided only along a certain width of the inner tab portion. For example, if the distal end 22 of the proximal distal portion 4 is located below the exposed portion of the first major surface 18 of the inner tab portion 16, so long as the proximal distal portion 4 extends. It would be sufficient to only provide the anti-sticking means 26. However, this will only allow planetary winding of the locking tape. If level winding is to be carried out, it is preferable to cover the entire exposed portion of the first surface 18 of the inner tab portion 16 with the anti-stick means 26.

In this embodiment, it is preferable to temporarily fix the anti-sticking means 26 to the inner tab portion 16 and maintain its position during further processing. For example, if the cover strip 26 acts as an anti-stick means, the cover strip 26 is formed by the inner tab portion 16 by any suitable means for ultrasonic bonding, pasting, application of wax, heat pressing or bonding. Can be coupled to. Temporary fixation of the anti-sticking means 26 to the inner tab portion 16 may also be beneficial in other embodiments of the present invention.

4 to 6 illustrate how a locking tape tab provided as a prelaminated locking tape can be level wound. The locking tapes shown in FIGS. 4-6 correspond to the embodiment of the locking tape tab 2 shown in FIG. 1, but without the release tape 30. In addition, in FIG. 4, the connection between the proximal distal portion 4 and the inner tab portion 16 and the connection between the distal distal portion 8 and the inner tab portion 16 are ultrasonically coupled as schematically illustrated by the dashed lines. Is done by. Thermal bonds, adhesive bonds may also be used.

In FIG. 4, the tape tab is illustrated without the anti-stick means 26. That is, in this form, the locking tape tab can be actually applied to the diaper. In FIG. 5, the anti-stick means 26 illustrate a locking tape tab 2 covering substantially the entire space between the opposing ends 22, 24 of the proximal and distal end portions 4, 8. The anti-sticking means 26 may be provided in the form of a cover strip, anti-stick paper, anti-stick film or liner. Alternatively, the anti-stick means 26 may be provided in the form of an anti-stick coating, preferably a silicon coating. Such anti-stick coatings can be used in any embodiment of the present invention.

In Fig. 6, there is schematically outlined how several layers of the prelaminated locking tape according to the invention are arranged when level winding is applied to produce a roll. As can be seen in FIG. 6, when the pre-laminated locking tape is level wound, several layers or windings (five of which are shown in FIG. 6) are stacked and arranged. In the fourth winding shown in FIG. 6, in the absence of the anti-sticking means 26, the area where the adhesive layer 6 of the uppermost fifth winding contacts the inner tab portion 16 of the fourth winding. Are shown in brackets. Therefore, by the anti-sticking means 26, the level winding of the locking tape tab of the present invention can be performed.

7 to 9 show a winding sequence similar to the winding sequence illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the pre-laminated locking tape has a release tape 30. Also in this case, if no anti-adhesion means 26 is present, it is shown that the adhesive layer 34 of the release tape 30 contacts the inner tab portion 16 during the level winding of the pre-laminated locking tape. Several layers or windings of the level wound roll of the prelaminated locking tape according to the invention described by way of example are shown in FIG. 9. By parenthesis in the fourth winding, the adhesive layer 34 of the release tape 30 of the fifth winding of the locking tape when the anti-adhesive means 26 is not present is formed at the bottom of the locking tape of the present invention. It can be seen how it contacts the inner tab portion 16 of the fourth winding.

10 is a top view of a level wound roll of the prelaminated locking tape of the present invention. The diameter of the roll is D and the width is W. The prelaminated locking tape is level wound by moving the rolls laterally or crosswise relative to the direction of movement of the locking tape. The roll reciprocates back and forth to form a level winding roll of pre-laminated locking tape, with adjacent windings partially overlapping along the width of the roll. Thus, only the portion of the locking tape shown in FIG. 10 by the arrow 46 can be seen in the top view. It would also be possible to have a fixed roll and a reciprocating tape feeding mechanism, instead of the roll moving in its axial direction, ie in the direction of intersection with the movement of the locking tape.

As can be seen in FIG. 10, the pre-laminated locking tape of the present invention is wound over its entire width on a roll in a first direction under an angle of α1, with some of this winding in parentheses 48 in FIG. 10. Are marked for viewing. When this winding reaches the edge of the roll, the reciprocating direction of the roll changes, or the feeding mechanism changes the direction of movement so that the tape is wound on the roll at an angle of α2 in subsequent winding. This winding is shown in FIG. 10 by brackets 50.

Between the brackets 48 and 50 is a prelaminated locking tape of the present invention. As can be seen, the prelaminated locking tape has a width 52, ie the length of the locking tape tab 2, the range of which is generally 30 to 200 mm, preferably 50 to 120 mm, most preferably 60 to 80 mm. The length 54 of the proximal distal portion 4 is typically in the range of 15 to 80 mm, preferably 20 to 60 mm, more preferably 25 to 40 mm. The length 56 of the distal end portion 8 is typically in the range of 10 to 70 mm, preferably 15 to 50 mm, more preferably 17 to 30 mm. The length 58 of the space between opposing ends 22 and 24 of the proximal and distal distal portions is typically in the range of 5 to 50 mm, preferably 5 to 40 mm, more preferably 5 to 20 mm.

11A illustrates how the locking tape tab 2 of the present invention is attached to the end 60 of the diaper. The locking tape tab 2 corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIGS. The release tape 30 was not used. Before cutting the locking tape tab 2 from the pre-laminated locking tape unrolled from the roll, the cover strip 26 serving as an anti-stick means is for example a suction. If the pre-laminated locking tape is level wound on the roll, the web can be passed through two rods, for example, by passing a reciprocating stack coming out of the level wound roll during unwinding. It is desirable to stabilize by rotating at 90 ° After passing through the rod, the web will return to its original structure Furthermore, after the locking tape has stabilized, the cover strip 26 is yes. For example, it may be removed by a ventry nozzle, a sleeping drive wheel or any other suitable means for removing the liner from the tape stack, for example, the tape may move to a sharp edge, etc. If the anti-stick means is anti-stick If provided in the form of a coating, this may be avoided with the additional step of retaining the first major surface 18 of the inner tab portion 16 to remove the cover strip.

As can be seen in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the proximal distal portion 4 is attached to the end 60 of the diaper by an adhesive layer 6. Any other suitable means of connecting the proximal end portion 4 to the end 60 of the diaper may be used, for example ultrasonic bonding, low temperature or thermal pressure bonding or adhesive bonding. After attaching the proximal end portion 4 to the diaper, the protrusions are folded into the interior of the diaper so that the fastening means 10 of the distal end portion 8 of the locking tape tab 2 no longer protrude from the end 60. Preferably, sagging prevention means are provided for securing the distal end portion 8 in this structure. For example, it would be possible to use fastening means 10 to temporarily attach the distal end portion 8 in the structure shown in FIG. 11B. If a diaper is to be used, the locking tape tab is opened by the finger lift 12 and folded into the structure of FIG. 11A so that the diaper can be secured to the wearer.

The attachment state of the locking tape tab 2 to the diaper of the present invention is shown in Figs. 12A and 12B, wherein a release tape 30 is used. Thus, the locking tape tab 2 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B corresponds to the locking tape tab of FIGS. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the locking tape tab 2 is attached to the end 60 of the diaper by the adhesive layer 6 of the proximal end portion 4 and the adhesive layer 34 of the release tape 30. The cover strip 26 may first be removed as described above with respect to FIGS. 11A and 11B. Then, the proximal end portion 4 is attached to the outer surface of the diaper by the adhesive layer 6, wherein the longer portion 38 of the release tape 30 is folded over the inner surface of the end 60 of the diaper and the adhesive layer It is attached by 34. The protrusion of the locking tape tab 2 is then folded into the interior of the diaper and preferably secured in the structure as shown in FIG. 12B by the sagging prevention feature. Alternatively, the distal end of the tape tab can already be pre-connected to the release tape by the sagging prevention means so that the protrusion of the tape tab 2 can be folded into the diaper at the same time as the release tape 30.

13A and 13B illustrate how the locking tape tab 2 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 can be applied to the diaper end 60. After removal of the cover strip 26, the locking tape tab 2 is attached to the diaper end 60 by the adhesive layer 6 of the proximal end portion 4. However, in this embodiment only a portion of the proximal distal portion 4 is attached to the outer face of the diaper end 60 and the remaining protruding proximal distal portion 4 is folded around the end 60 and shown in FIG. 13B. Form Y-bonds as shown. The protrusions of the locking tape tab stack 2, ie the inner tab portion 16 and the distal end portion 8, are folded into the interior of the diaper and are preferably secured to the structure by anti-slip features.

14 schematically illustrates a coating process for peel coating the first major surface 18 of the inner tab portion 16. As can be seen in FIG. 14, the inner tab portion 16 of the locking tape tab, which connects the proximal distal portion 4, the distal distal portion 8 and the proximal and distal distal portions 4, 8, is later formed The locking tape comprising the parts is wound on a "pancake roll", ie a planetary winding roll. From this pancake roll the locking tape is unwound and fed to a release coating station, in which a release coating in the form of a low adhesive back coating acting as an anti-stick means is provided with opposing ends 22, respectively of the proximal and distal end portions 4, 8. At least a portion of the first major surface 18 of the inner tab portion 16 in the space between 24. Typically, the space is completely coated with a peel coating, more preferably the peel coating is on the ends 22, 24 of each of the proximal and distal end portions 4, 8 as schematically shown in FIG. 14. Apply. Optionally, a curing station (eg UV-chamber) is provided to cure the release coating on the locking tape. After curing, the prelaminated locking tape is preferably wound on a roll by a level winding process. In the schematic illustration of FIG. 14 the locking tape is also only schematically shown. As described above and below, the locking tape provided on the pancake roll may comprise additional elements such as fastening means, finger lifts and the like.

In Fig. 15 the locking tape tab 2 according to an embodiment of the invention is described in more detail. Also in this embodiment, the locking tape tab 2 comprises a proximal end portion 4 and a distal end portion 8 connected by an inner tab portion 16. As in other embodiments, the inner tab portion 16 forms a leg, preferably an elastomeric leg, to provide a more suitable locking tape tab. Moreover, also in this embodiment, a release tape can be used to attach the locking tape tab 2 to the diaper. The proximal end portion 4 and the inner tab portion 16 as well as the distal end and the inner tab portion 16 are connected by ultrasonic bonding or equivalent thermal bonding or the like, as schematically shown by the dashed lines. In this embodiment of the locking tape tab 2, the release coating 26 forming the anti-stick means comprises the exposed first major surface 18 and the proximal and distal end portions 4, of the inner tab portion 16. 8) applied to each opposing end 22, 24. This structure has an additional advantage when the release coating is applied on a zone where it is likely to be damaged or destroyed by the ultrasonic waves of the proximal and distal end portions 4, 8, respectively. This may be particularly advantageous if nonwoven materials are used in the proximal and distal end portions. Typically, ultrasonic bonding destroys a portion of the LAB coating applied to the proximal and distal end portions 4, 8, affecting the peeling properties of these sites. The coating of such potentially damaging bonding regions with a peel coating ensures proper peeling properties. This coating process can be carried out, for example, by a gravure-type coating method, a heavy multiroll coater or a spray coating apparatus.

16A shows another embodiment of the locking tape tab 2 of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and includes a proximal distal portion 4, a distal distal portion 8, an inner tab portion 16 and an optional release tape 30. The locking tape tab 2 also includes anti-stick means. In this embodiment, the anti-stick means is provided as an intermediate portion 26 connecting the proximal distal portion 4 and the distal distal portion 8. The intermediate portion 26 is formed as a continuous tape member (ie, integral) with the proximal and distal end portions 4, 8 and lock tape to expose the first major surface 18 of the inner tab portion 16. It can be removed from the tab 2. In other words, the proximal distal portion 4, the intermediate portion 26 and the distal distal portion 8 are formed of a single strip of material, to which the inner tab portion 16 is attached to form a bridge with the intermediate portion 26. Can be. A line of weakness 62 is provided between the end 22 and the middle portion 26 of the proximal distal portion 4, and another line of weakness 64 is the end of the middle portion 26 and the distal distal portion 8. Between 24 to facilitate removal of the intermediate portion 26 from the locking tape tab 2. For example, the lines of weakness 62, 64 may be provided as perforations, slits, and the like.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous from a manufacturing point of view because it does not require the transport of separate elements for the proximal and distal end portions and the anti-sticking means, but uses a unitary single strip of material provided with a weak line. Moreover, LAB coating can be carried out more easily using integral material strips rather than multiple elements.

In the locking tape tab 2 shown in FIG. 16A, the release tab 30 is attached to the proximal end of the inner tab portion 16. However, the function is similar to that described in connection with other embodiments.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16A, the sagging prevention means 66 is used to secure the release tape 30 to the fixing tape tab 2, in particular the second major surface 20 of the inner tab portion 16. Is provided. The sagging prevention means 66 may be provided, for example, in the form of a hot melt adhesive or wax coated continuously or in dots between the inner tab portion 16 and the release tape 30. Hot melt adhesives or waxes may be applied as strips, sprays, spots, line coatings, and the like. Although shown only in FIG. 16A, such sagging prevention means 66 may be provided in any embodiment of the present invention including a release tape.

An embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIG. 16A is shown in FIG. 16B. In this embodiment, the locking tape tab 2 comprises a continuous tape member forming a proximal end portion 4 and a distal end portion 8. In the region of the inner tab portion 16, the continuous tape member can act as an anti-stick means to wind the tape in the form of a roll. The continuous tape member has a predetermined weak line or tear line 68, which is a perforated line that can be, for example, straight or sinusoidal.

When the tape is unwound and cut into individual locking tape tabs that may be attached to, for example, a diaper, the predetermined line of the weak line 68 may be torn or opened by the user. In this state, the locking tape tab 2 has proximal and distal end portions 4, 8 connected only by the inner tab portion 16. One of the advantages of this structure is that it does not generate waste material and is convenient for manufacturing.

Another embodiment of the locking tape tab 2 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 17. This embodiment is generally based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. However, in this embodiment, the distal end portion 8 and the anti-sticking means 26 are formed as an integral element as described above in connection with FIG. 16. The anti-sticking means 26 can be separated from the distal end portion 8 to expose the first major surface 18 of the inner tab portion 16. To this end, a weak line 68 (eg perforation) can be provided between the distal end of the anti-stick means 26 and the proximal end 24 of the distal end portion 8.

As can be seen in FIG. 17, the adhesive layer 14 is provided only below the distal end portion 8 of the locking tape tab 2. This can be achieved, for example, by strip coating the adhesive onto the lower surfaces of the integral elements 8, 26.

Another embodiment of the locking tape tab 2 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 18. This embodiment is generally similar to the embodiment of FIG. 17 in that it includes an integral element for the distal end portion 8 and the anti-sticking means 26. In this embodiment, however, no adhesive is provided on the lower surface of the distal end portion 8. Rather, in this embodiment, an adhesive layer 14 is provided on the mechanical fastener element 10. This has the advantage that no stripping process and no finger lift 12 are necessary since there is no adhesive on the lower surface of the distal end portion 8.

Claims (28)

For absorbent articles, in particular for securing disposable diapers, on a wearer's body comprising a proximal end portion and a distal end portion connected by an inner tab portion having a first major surface and an opposite second major surface A closure tape tab, wherein the proximal and distal end portions are connected to an inner tab portion at the first major surface of the inner tab portion such that opposing ends of the proximal and distal end portions are spaced apart from each other to form a space, and Locking tape tab in which at least a portion of said first major surface of said inner tab portion in said space is provided. A locking tape tab as claimed in claim 1, wherein said anti-stick means extends from at least adjacent at the end of said proximal end portion in said space toward the opposite end of the distal end portion. The locking tape tab of claim 1 wherein said anti-stick means extends at least partially on at least one of said proximal and distal end portions. 4. The locking tape tab of claim 3 wherein said anti-stick means extends at least as long as said inner tab portion on said proximal and / or distal end portion. The locking tape tab of claim 1, further comprising a release tape attached to a second major surface of the proximal end portion or the inner tab portion and extending at least partially along the second major surface of the inner tab portion. . 6. The locking tape tab as claimed in claim 5, wherein the anti-sticking means extends in the space along the first major surface by a length at which a release tape extends at least on the second major surface. 2. The locking tape tab of claim 1 wherein said anti-stick means substantially covers said space. Securing an absorbent article, in particular a disposable diaper, to a wearer's body comprising a continuous tape member having at least a proximal end portion and a distal end portion connected to an inner tab portion having a first major surface and an opposite second major surface A locking tape tab for an absorbent article, the proximal and distal end portions being connected to the inner tab portion at the first major surface of the inner tab portion, the continuous tape member providing anti-stick means to the inner tab portion. A locking tape tab that provides one or more lines of weakness in the region of the inner tab portion. The locking tape of claim 8 comprising two weak lines, a first weak line provided between said proximal end portion and a middle portion, and a second weak line being provided between said distal end portion and said middle portion. Tab. For absorbent articles, in particular for securing disposable diapers, on a wearer's body comprising a proximal end portion and a distal end portion connected by an inner tab portion having a first major surface and an opposite second major surface A locking tape tab, wherein the proximal end portion is connected to an inner tab portion at a second major surface of the inner tab portion such that the proximal end portion extends over at least a substantial portion of the inner tab portion, and the distal end portion is internal Connected to the first major surface of the inner tab portion such that at least a portion of the first major surface of the tab portion remains exposed, and at least a portion of the exposed portion of the first major surface of the inner tab portion is provided with anti-stick means Locking tape tab. 11. The locking tape tab of claim 10 wherein said anti-stick means extends substantially over the entire length of said exposed portion of said inner tab portion. The locking tape tab of claim 1 wherein said anti-stick means is an anti-stick paper, an anti-stick film, a cover strip or a liner. The locking tape tab according to claim 1, wherein said anti-stick means is an anti-stick coating, preferably a silicon coating. The locking tape tab of claim 1 wherein the inner tab portion comprises an elastomer, an elastomer / nonwoven composite, or a soft nonwoven composite. The locking tape tab of claim 1 wherein said proximal and distal end portions and / or said proximal and distal end portions and said intermediate portion are comprised of a nonwoven material. The locking tape tab of claim 1 wherein adhesive and / or mechanical fastener components and / or fingerlifts are provided at the distal end portion. The locking tape tab of claim 10, wherein the anti-stick means is provided integrally with the distal end portion and can be removed from the locking tape tab to expose the first major surface of the inner tab portion. 18. The locking tape tab of claim 17 wherein a line of weakness is provided between the distal end of said anti-stick means and the proximal end of said distal end portion. A prelaminated locking tape, preferably in the form of a stable roll, capable of cutting off the locking tape tab according to claim 1. 20. The locking tape of claim 19, wherein said roll is level wound. A method of manufacturing a locking tape capable of cutting a locking tape tab for an absorbent article, in particular an absorbent article for securing a disposable diaper, on a wearer's body, Providing a first tape region forming a proximal end portion of the locking tape tab and a second tape region forming a distal end portion of the locking tape tab; Connecting the first and second tape regions by an inner tab portion having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface, the proximal and distal ends of which the opposing ends of the proximal and distal end portions are spaced apart from one another to form a space; The distal end portion connecting to the inner tab portion at the first major surface of the inner tab portion; And Providing anti-stick means to at least a portion of the first major surface of the inner tab portion in the space Manufacturing method comprising a. A method of manufacturing a locking tape capable of cutting a locking tape tab for an absorbent article for securing an absorbent article, particularly a disposable diaper, on a wearer's body, Providing a continuous tape having at least a first tape region forming a proximal end portion of the locking tape tab and a second tape region forming a distal end portion of the locking tape tab; And Connecting the inner tab portion having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface to the first and second tape regions, wherein the proximal and distal end portions are inner tabs at the first major surface of the inner tab portion; Connecting the portion, wherein the continuous tape provides anti-sticking means to the inner tab portion, and has one or more lines of weakness in the region of the inner tab portion. Manufacturing method comprising a. 23. The method of claim 22, comprising two lines of weakness, wherein a first line of weakness is provided between the proximal end portion and a middle portion and a second line of weakness is provided between the distal end portion and the middle portion. A method of manufacturing a locking tape capable of cutting a locking tape tab for an absorbent article, in particular an absorbent article for securing a disposable diaper, on a wearer's body, Providing a first tape region forming a proximal end portion of the locking tape tab and a second tape region forming a distal end portion of the locking tape tab; Connecting the first and second tape regions by an inner tab portion having a first major surface and an opposite second major surface, the proximal end portion extending such that the proximal end portion extends over at least a substantial portion of the inner tab portion. Connecting the portion to the inner tab portion at the second major surface of the inner tab portion, the distal end portion connecting to the first major surface of the inner tab portion such that at least a portion of the first major surface of the inner tab portion remains exposed. To do; And Providing an anti-stick means to at least a portion of the exposed portion of the first major surface Manufacturing method comprising a. The method of claim 21, wherein the connection between the inner tab portion and the proximal and distal end portions is performed by ultrasonic welding, low temperature or thermal pressure bonding, adhesive bonding, or any combination of welding / bonding methods. The method according to claim 25, wherein after the welding step, the anti-stick means is provided in the form of a coating, preferably in the form of a silicon coating. The method of claim 21, wherein the anti-sticking means is provided in the form of anti-stick paper, anti-stick film, cover strip or liner. The method of claim 24, wherein the distal end portion and the anti-stick means are provided as an integral member, wherein the anti-stick means can be removed from the distal end portion.

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